Thursday, July 28, 2016

Red Cross Rallies to Support Pine Bluffs Community

Update by Bill FortunePine Bluffs, WY, Friday, July 29, 2016 2 P.M. Update - Red Cross staff and volunteers continue to provide support for the people of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming who were affected by the severe storm that blew through the community Wednesday evening.

Priorities over the past 24 hours has been to assess the needs of the community and provide for those immediate needs. Close coordination continues with local emergency management and other nonprofit organizations that have offered support.

According the the Red Cross service deliver team there is a significant need for help given that approximately 90 percent of the homes in the community suffered damage from broken windows to damaged roofs to flooded basements. Many of the homes are without insurance which makes recovery even more difficult. The Red Cross has made available temporary sheltering, blankets, food and hygiene items. we have also brought in cleanup kits that have gloves, face masks and cleaning supplies.

How can you help? At this point the Red Cross and local officials are assessing the damage and determining needs We are asking people not to bring in donation items to Pine Bluffs until those needs have been established, We are working closely with local and state nonprofit organizations through the Wyoming Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (WYVOAD).

Another round of severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening in Wyoming. To stay informed about severe weather and to learn how to be better prepared download our free mobile app Emergency from redcross.org/apps. To have first aid information at your finger tips download the free Red Cross First Aid app.

If you would like to help the Red Cross respond to disasters like the one in Wyoming you can make a financial donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting our website, www.redcross.org/donate.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Update by Bill FortunePine Bluffs, WY, Thursday, July 28, 2016 - Teams of Red Cross volunteers from Colorado and Wyoming are on the way to help the people of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming who experienced the affect of a severe thunderstorm with large hail, strong winds and heavy rain, Numerous homes have been damaged and a call for Red Cross support went out shortly after the event,

Volunteers and staff are in Pine Bluffs this morning working closely with local and state resources to determine the immediate needs of the community. Red Cross priorities will be to assess the damage, determine immediate needs and then bring in the resources that are needed, A shelter supply trailer will be on scene by midday along with volunteers to support a community shelter if needed,

Red Cross clean up kits are available at the Pine Bluffs Townhall and additional supplies will be coming in through the day.

How can you help? At this point the Red Cross and local officials are assessing the damage and determining needs We are asking people not to bring in donation items to Pine Bluffs until those needs have been established, We are working closely with local and state nonprofit organizations through the Wyoming Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (WYVOAD).

Another round of severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening in Wyoming. To stay informed about severe weather and to learn how to be better prepared download our free mobile app Emergency from redcross.org/apps. To have first aid information at your finger tips download the free Red Cross First Aid app.

If you would like to help the Red Cross respond to disasters like the one in Wyoming you can make a financial donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting our website, www.redcross.org/donate.